Lee Conservation Commission
Minutes of Meeting of September 6, 2011
Present:
Members: Antoinette Hartgerink, Bill Humm (Chair), David Meeker, Anne Tappan
Alternate Member: David Shay
Ex Officio: Laurel Cox, Land Protection and Community Development Administrator
Visitors: Sabrina Campbell and Mark Heine, Stepping Stone Road; Ted Kendziora, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, and Emma Carcagno, UNH Cooperative Extension.
Approval of Previous Minutes: Minutes of meeting held on August 1, 2011, approved as
written.
Updates and Announcements:
LCC Bank Balance: The balance in the LCC account as of August 31, 2011, was $12,680.13
composed of
LCC Funds
$9,265.87
Dave Allan Fund
$3,414.26.
ZBA Report: A. Hartgerink reported that the ZBA has approved the request for a variance for S
& J Transportation.
Easement Monitoring: The Barth, Brady, Brickle, Sanborn, Humphrey, and Echo Ridge
easements were visited in August. No items of concern were noted. A schedule for
September monitoring visits was presented.
LRAC and ORAC Membership: Only D. Shay has volunteered to join the Oyster River
Advisory Committee.
Land Protection and Planning: L. Cox presented an overview of current and proposed land
protection activities.
OLD BUSINESS:
Lee Five Corners Reserve: Emma Carcagno and Ted Kendziora described the proposed project
for the restoration of habitat suitable for the New England cottontail. Of the three species,
snowshoe rabbit, Eastern cottontail, and New England cottontail, the latter is a habitat
specialist dependent upon early successional habitat. It is in decline due to loss of its
preferred habitat and is considered an endangered species in NH numbering, perhaps, as few
as 100 individuals. Although there are populations in nearby states, the species is a candidate
for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. In this context the proposed project
is aimed at creating an early succession environment on much of the reserve in order to
provide the NE cottontail with the dense shrubby growth they prefer for protection from their
predators. T. Kendziora has developed a plan involving most of the New England states with
financial and other support provided by a number of partners. The support of LCC and the
Town in the creation of an early succession habitat on L5Corners is requested. The current
proposal includes : 1) a four acre clear cut and chipping of the current aspen stand leaving the
larger oak trees; 2) removal of the multi-flora rose and autumn olive invasive species and
chemical eradication of the Japanese knotweed population; 3) a minimal disturbance in the
wetland areas; 4) the possible creation of a turtle nesting habitat; 5) trails and paths would be
built up with chips and sand from the site; and 6) encouragement of new alder growth where
possible. It is believed that the project, as proposed, would be in basic agreement with the
management plan for the site prepared by Ellen Snyder. The NRCS wishes to have the
1
Town’s support in creating a demonstration site for educational purposes and, in addition,
permission to return in 2 or 3 years to control invasive species, if it becomes necessary.
After considerable discussion of various issues B. Humm suggested that a public meeting be
held at the Safety Complex in order to inform the Town and, in particular, the abutters of the
proposal and to assess support for Lee’s participation in, as A. Tappan stated, an important
multi-state restoration project.
NEW BUSINESS:
Farm Crossing Off Stepping Stone Road: Sabrina Campbell and Mark Heine, of 12 Stepping
Stone Road, are considering the purchase of the neighboring Vallee property to provide
additional pasturage for their horses. In order to utilize the pasture from their current
property, they need to construct a farm crossing across approximately 220 feet of wetland.
Consequently, the sale is dependent upon the possibility of constructing the wetland crossing.
A site visit to assess the situation is planned..
Next Meeting: October 3, 2011
Submitted By ________________________________________
David Meeker
2